A fully updated edition of the definitive industry guidance on the safe operation of chemical tankers has just been published by the shipping industry's global trade association, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
The new edition of the ICS Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals) replaces the previous edition issued in 2002. ICS recommends that a copy is carried on board every tanker engaged in the carriage of chemical cargoes, and that copies are also held within shipping company technical departments. Since its first publication over 40 years ago, the ICS Guide has become the standard reference work on best practice for chemical tanker operations, with an emphasis on how best to comply with additional International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations to ensure the prevention of pollution in the safest manner possible.
ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe, explained: "The production of this new edition has been a major project taking many years and drawing on expertise throughout the industry. As well as taking account of the latest best practice, large sections have been totally rewritten to assist comprehension".
The updated ICS Guide takes full account of the adoption by IMO in May 2014 of important amendments to the SOLAS Convention, following a major IMO review of tanker safety that has taken the best part of a decade. These amendments to SOLAS include new mandatory requirements for the inerting of chemical tankers. Together with recent changes made to the IMO Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code, these SOLAS amendments are fully reflected in the new edition of the ICS Guide.
Mr Hinchliffe said: "Particular attention has also been given during preparation of the updated Guide to the question of how to inculcate an effective safety culture amongst everyone involved in chemical tanker operations."
The 4th Edition of the ICS Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals) is available for purchase from all maritime booksellers worldwide, or direct from ICS. The updated ICS Guide, with almost 300 pages and numerous illustrations, is accompanied by a CD including a search function and the facility to print and complete various checklists and other documentation. The recommended price is UK £395.
The ICS Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals) should be regarded as a companion to the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT), jointly published by ICS and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF).
